Staff Photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County Mayor Jim CoppingerA tie vote Monday on who should replace Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey left county commissioners looking for a way to move forward before Ramsey leaves office in January.
Commissioners each defended their vote after they split 4-4 between fellow Commissioner Jim Coppinger and special assistant to the mayor Mike Carter. None indicated they could vote differently when the commission meets again Jan. 5.
Commissioners took two votes Monday morning and each time came up with the same result.
“We need to let the process work itself out,” Coppinger said.
Ramsey leaves Jan. 11 to join the administration of Gov.-elect Bill Haslam.